Work for the Dole to start in September

Mission Australia will oversee Work for the Dole services in Kiama and Shoalhaven, as the scheme is rolled out around Australia.

Mission Australia will oversee Work for the Dole services in Kiama and Shoalhaven, as the scheme is rolled out around Australia.

The Shoalhaven was among the first round of areas to be targeted for Work for the Dole, just one of 18 regions across the country to be selected in the program's initial stages from July 1.

Only five other NSW regions were targeted in the program's first stage.

Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis announced on Friday that Mission Australia would co-ordinate work activities in Shoalhaven and Kiama from September.

"Mission Australia will serve as the first point of contact for organisations in our region wishing to be involved in Work for the Dole and help match job seekers to available places," Ms Sudmalis said.

Following changes announced in the federal budget, people aged 18-30 will be required to work up to 15 hours a week to access unemployment benefits.

Ms Sudmalis said Gilmore participants may be working in local men's sheds producing furniture for community groups, as well as renovating outdoor areas at Headspace centre.

"We want to move it into as many spaces as possible so people don't feel constrained, that they're contributing and not just filling in time," Ms Sudmalis said.

The Department of Employment's website reports Work for the Dole participants may work in charity stores, administration, or gardening and maintenance.

"The government is committed to a reinvigorated Work for the Dole program which helps young job seekers remain active and engaged while looking for work while at the same time giving something back to the community," Ms Sudmalis said.